Who pays for what? How to divvy up a wedding bill

Societal conventions are shifting, which means there’s no longer a set formula for who should fund certain aspects of a wedding. Gone are the days where the bride’s parents pay for everything. Nowadays, it’s not uncommon for the couple to pay for their wedding by themselves.

While the ‘who pays for what’ discussion may seem daunting, it doesn’t have to be. Below we’ve listed the traditional wedding cost breakdown to get your started.

Keep in mind that although this may be how things have traditionally be done, that doesn’t mean this is how you have to handle your wedding expenses. As always, do what’s best for you!

Bride

The groom’s wedding ring

Gifts for the bride’s attendants (jewelry for the ceremony, a custom robe for getting ready photos, etc.)

Gift for the groom

Bride or her family

Engagement party

Invitations, announcements, enclosures

The bride’s wedding attire and trousseau (lingerie and honeymoon attire)

Rental fees for ceremony and reception locations

Flowers and decorations for ceremony and reception

Fees for musicians, such as the organist, soloist, or string quartet

Food and beverages at the reception

Photography (including bridal portraits) and videography for wedding and reception

Wedding-day transportation

Gift for the newlyweds

Photography by Critsey Rowe Photography

Groom

Engagement and wedding rings for the bride

Gift for the bride

Marriage license

Gifts for best man and groomsmen

Fee for clergy or officiant

The honeymoon

Groom or his family

Rehearsal dinner

Groom’s wedding attire

Bouquet and going-away corsage for bride, corsages for the mothers and grandmothers, boutonnieres for men in wedding party

DJ or band at the reception

Their own travel and hotel accommodations

Wedding gift for the newlyweds

Photography by Critsey Rowe Photography.

Attendants

Their own wedding attire, including shoes (In some cases, the bride may give accessories as gifts, and the groom may give cufflinks or ties.)

Travel expenses

Wedding gifts for the bride and groom

Costs of bachelor/bachelorette parties and other events leading up to the big day

The maid of honor and bridesmaids typically host and coordinate the bridal shower

Whether the couple pays for all of the wedding, or their parents pay for some of the wedding, this much is for sure: Clarity makes for smooth planning, so it’s best to agree on a budget and decide early on who will pay for what.

This first appeared in Carolina Bride magazine in the Summer 2016 issue. It was updated in October 2018.